2 Chronicles 21:5

Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

old

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים

H7970

was thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁתַּ֛יִם

H8147

and two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

יְהוֹרָ֣ם

H3088

Jehoram

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וּשְׁמוֹנֶ֣ה

H8083

eight

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ

H4427

and he reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

#10

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?